Fleet
Command now launched
Name change should be noted
Effective from February 1, Maritime Command will be known as Fleet Command,
in a change that recognises the evolving nature of ADF operations. The name
change was announced by Chief of Navy VADM Russ Shalders, AO, CSC, RAN,
at the Navy Symposium at HMAS Watson last year. Other name changes include
the position of Maritime Commander Australia which has been retitled Fleet
Commander Australian Fleet (COMAUSTFLT) and Maritime Headquarters which
is now Fleet Headquarters. Fleet Commander RADM Davyd Thomas told Navy News
that the name change will more accurately reflect Navys revised raise,
train and sustain role under the new Joint Operations Command Headquarters.

Survey to be conducted
Update on Army Black Hawk
The Navy has helped to locate the Army Black Hawk helicopter that sank in
deep water off Fiji late last year and intends to conduct a survey to determine
the condition of the wreckage. The survey, which is expected to be completed
in March, will determine the feasibility of recovery of the aircraft. Fleet
Commander Australia RADM Davyd Thomas said the tasking would be a very complex
and challenging maritime salvage undertaking. The United States Navy Supervisor
of Salvage, SUPSALV, has been engaged to assist with the survey and potential
recovery. A Defence Maritime Services vessel will also assist.

Plan unveiled to redevelop site
New life for Platypus
The former HMAS Platypus site on Sydney Harbour is to be redeveloped at
a cost of up to $70 million. Platypus was decommissioned in 1999 when the
Navys submarine facilities and torpedo workshops were relocated to
HMAS Stirling. Before becoming Navy property, the area was a farm wharf,
whaler mooring and a gasworks.